Shares of the biggest US companies, which tend to have the most overseas exposure, have been among the strongest performers over the past several weeks. For instance, the S&P 500 has outperformed its average stock this year since mid-February, after performing mostly in line at the beginning of the year. Forecasts from the International Monetary Fund show a pickup in the global economy in 2017 and 2018, especially in developing economies.However, some investors worry multinationals may have already priced in big gains in earnings. "The US earnings season gets under way next week, with results from banks JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Citigroup among others. "It comes down to a synchronized global economic acceleration ...; a rebound and stabilization in commodity prices and a higher interest rate environment," Palfrey said.

Source: Economic Times April 09, 2017 05:26 UTC